By Riches Soberekon
France and Italy have begun evacuating their citizens from Niger following a presidential coup that plunged the country into political crisis.
French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, said the first evacuation plane had taken off, but did not specify if it was departing from or arriving in Niger.
She said there were several hundred French and several hundred European citizens who wanted to leave Niger, and that she hoped the operation would be completed within 24 hours.
The French embassy in Niger instructed those wishing to be evacuated to bring food and water with them while they wait to board.
on his part, Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, announced that Italy would also offer a special flight to evacuate its citizens from Niamey. There are less than 90 Italian civilians in Niger and just over 300 military personnel.
The coup in Niger has caused a split between neighboring countries. Some have come out against the coup, while others have shown support for the military.
There’s no certainty about how long the evacuations will go on for, but both France and Italy are making certain that their people in Niger are safe.
